A significant redevelopment project is in the works for an industrial area in Burlington, potentially bringing in 20 high-rise towers and replacing a neighborhood plaza. The proposal, still in its early stages, focuses on the northwest corner of Appleby Line and Fairview Street, targeting land currently occupied by warehouses and a former automotive parts factory, some of which is vacant. Additionally, a plaza on the southwest corner is also under consideration for redevelopment, currently hosting businesses like a library, McDonald’s, and a sports bar.
The plan encompasses a mix of high-density residential towers, office spaces, and retail stores across 28 total buildings ranging from 12 to 45 stories, covering over 51 acres. The project includes provisions for two parks and a community centre, potentially accommodating up to 25,000 new residents. Despite aligning with Burlington and Ontario government’s transit-focused development goals, the developer, Alinea Group, has yet to formally request zoning changes.
This initiative comes as Burlington faces challenges in home building, with a meager 2% progress rate for housing starts in 2024, significantly below the provincial average. The Mayor urges residents to attend a pre-application meeting on June 17 to discuss the proposal.
